Modernity and charisma in contemporary Israel: The case of Baba Sali and Baba Baruch

Rabbi Israel Abu-Hatzera (“Baba Sali”), a renowned and pious sage and scion of a most virtuous Jewish family from southern Morocco, passed away in January 1984 at the ripe old age of 94. In the years that have elapsed since his death, Baba Sali’s grave-site, located in the southern development town of Netivot, has swiftly become a national monument and a major pilgrimage centre. The celebration on the rabbi’s death anniversary (hillula) draws to Netivot between 100, 000 and 150, 000 followers. In a country like Israel, which is replete with holy sanctuaries and age-old pilgrimage traditions, the emergence of this celebration as the second most popular religious gathering in the country (second only to the congregation in Meiron) is at the very least impressive.